Career and Education Opportunities for Interpreters in Chandler, Arizona

Many educational and employment opportunities exist for interpreters in the Chandler, Arizona area. There are currently 1,290 working interpreters in Arizona; this should grow 22% to about 1,570 working interpreters in the state by 2016. This is not quite as good as the national trend for interpreters, which sees this job pool growing by about 22.2% over the next eight years. Interpreters generally translate or interpret written, oral, or sign language text into another language for others.

A person working as an interpreter can expect to earn about $17 hourly or $36,190 annually on average in Arizona and about $18 per hour or $38,850 annually on average in the U.S. as a whole. Jobs in this field include: diplomatic interpreter, american sign language interpreter , and per diem interpreter.

The Chandler area is home to seventy-seven schools of higher education, including three within twenty-five miles of Chandler where you can get a degree as an interpreter. The most common level of education for interpreters is an Associate's, or other 2-year degree. You can expect to spend about two years studying to be an interpreter if you already have a high school diploma.

CAREER DESCRIPTION: Interpreter

Interpreter video from the State of New Jersey Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development

In general, interpreters translate or interpret written, oral, or sign language text into another language for others.

Interpreters follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of data. They also refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries and computerized terminology banks, as needed to insure translation accuracy. Finally, interpreters identify and resolve conflicts pertaining to the meanings of words or behaviors.

Every day, interpreters are expected to be able to understand what others are saying to them even in a noisy environment. They need to speak clearly. It is also important that they articulate ideas and problems.

It is important for interpreters to check translations of technical terms and terminology to insure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions. They are often called upon to translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content and style as much as possible. They also compile terminology and data to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material. They are sometimes expected to proofread and revise translated materials. Somewhat less frequently, interpreters are also expected to adapt translations to students' cognitive and grade levels, collaborating with educational team members as needed.

Interpreters sometimes are asked to train and supervise other translators or interpreters. And finally, they sometimes have to translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content and style as much as possible.

Like many other jobs, interpreters must be reliable and have exceptional integrity.

Similar jobs with educational opportunities in Chandler include:

Music Director. Direct and conduct instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups.

Public Relations Specialist. Engage in promoting or creating good will for individuals, groups, or organizations by writing or selecting favorable publicity material and releasing it through various communications media. May prepare and arrange displays, and make speeches.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Interpreter Training

Ottawa University-Phoenix - Phoenix, AZ

Ottawa University-Phoenix, 10020 North 25th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021. Ottawa University-Phoenix is a small university located in Phoenix, Arizona. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs and has 1,329 students. Ottawa University-Phoenix has a bachelor's degree program in Spanish Language and Literature which graduated one student in 2008.

Phoenix College - Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix College, 1202 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013. Phoenix College is a large college located in Phoenix, Arizona. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 10,917 students. Phoenix College has 2 areas of study related to Interpreter. They are:

American Sign Language, less than one year and one to two year which graduated zero and twenty-nine students respectively in 2008.

Sign Language Interpretation and Translation, one to two year and associate's degree which graduated three and five students respectively in 2008.

Arizona State University - Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University, , Tempe, AZ 85287. Arizona State University is a large university located in Tempe, Arizona. It is a public school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 67,082 students and an admission rate of 82%. Arizona State University has 6 areas of study related to Interpreter. They are:

East Asian Languages, Literatures, & Linguistics, bachelor's degree and master's degree which graduated twenty-three and three students respectively in 2008.

Russian Language and Literature, bachelor's degree which graduated 6 students in 2008.

German Language and Literature, bachelor's degree and master's degree which graduated twenty-three and two students respectively in 2008.

French Language and Literature, bachelor's degree and master's degree which graduated twenty-two and one students respectively in 2008.

Italian Language and Literature, bachelor's degree which graduated 10 students in 2008.

CERTIFICATIONS

National Judiciary Interpreter and Translator Certification:
Achieving the credential of Nationally Certified Judiciary Interpreter and Translator (NCJIT) shows your commitment to upholding the highest standards in the profession.

LOCATION INFORMATION: Chandler, Arizona

Chandler, Arizona photo by Ixnayonthetimmay

Chandler is situated in Maricopa County, Arizona. It has a population of over 247,140, which has grown by 40.0% over the last ten years. The cost of living index in Chandler, 93, is below the national average. New single-family homes in Chandler are priced at $206,800 on average, which is well below the state average. In 2008, three hundred sixty-one new homes were constructed in Chandler, down from 1,002 the previous year.

The three big industries for women in Chandler are educational services, health care, and finance and insurance. For men, it is computer and electronic products, construction, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The average commute to work is about 25 minutes. More than 32.5% of Chandler residents have a bachelor's degree, which is higher than the state average. The percentage of residents with a graduate degree, 10.5%, is higher than the state average.

The unemployment rate in Chandler is 6.6%, which is less than Arizona's average of 9.3%.

The percentage of Chandler residents that are affiliated with a religious congregation, 39.7%, is less than the national average but more than the state average. The most common religious groups are the Catholic Church, the LDS (Mormon) Church and the Southern Baptist Convention.

Chandler is home to the Kyrene Gin and the Goodyear Substation as well as West Mine Well Park and Doctor Chandler Memorial Park. Visitors to Chandler can choose from Courtyard by Marriott - Chandler, Four Seasons Solar Products and Aloha Motel for temporary stays in the area.